Hope for all the people trying to get into anesthesia

Ultraposh · Jan 13, 2014

I think it is so nice of you to take the time out to say this to us who want to pursue anesthesia. I will remember your words! How was the interview process? Also I was thinking about cleping Chem and Physics before the program (I'm a couple years away from applying). Would cleping be smart? I'm transitioning to RN through excelsior and then will transition to bsn, my plan is to be at bsn by 2 years.

Atmorrison1995 · Jan 13, 2014

I completely agree. Thank you so much for inspiring young people to pursue their dreams! I want to be a CRNA! I've already met several people at my college that said that an then drop their major before they even finished certain classes, but I haven't because I want it too bad. After you graduated from nursing and applied for the CRNA program how were your grades? Gpa? How was the interview process? Do you have any advice?

PVCCHoo · Jan 13, 2014

Thanks for this post rolex. It does seem like every time a young nursing student comes on here and starts a thread saying they are interested in becoming a CRNA they are met with hostility. I don't really understand it. I think nearly anyone who has done enough reading to find this forum probably already understands the work that needs to be done to become a CRNA and that it is long, difficult road ahead.

I myself am 35 years old and have not even started nursing school, but I am looking at CRNA as my long term goal. It's just that right now. Something in the distant future, but something I want to be planning for now. I won't even be applying to schools for at least 5-7 years probably , but I still read these boards nearly every day to give myself the proper perspective on what needs to be done.

It's not like people are coming on here and saying they want to be astronauts or movie stars. This is a realistic goal that can be achieved by doing what the people before us have done to get there. Yes, you have to get in to nursing school, graduate, find a job, get in the ICU, etc etc.

I really appreciate your post letting us in the early (very early!) stages of this career path know that it can be done.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 13, 2014

If being a CRNA really is your passion, then go for it! However, for those who are interested because they're under the impression that CRNA is a cash cow, keep in mind that the profession is changing. There is little demand for CRNA's in many areas and reimbursements are falling too. By all means go for it if that's your dream, but if you're just in it for the money you may want to explore other career paths that will end up being more lucrative.

manusko · Jan 13, 2014

Never understood why people discourage others about the money. If it didn't pay well then a lot of people wouldn't do it. Do I care if someone is doing it just for the money? Not really. I care if they are safe and if their PTs do well. There are jobs for new grads making $160k plus. Most my classmates are making 150 plus. Some more and some less. Everyone in my class was working within a couple of months and had jobs before graduation.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 13, 2014

As long as people are realistic about their goals I don't care either.

But it's funny how many people have such as paaaaaaaaaaaaaaassion for CRNA that they wouldn't have if there wasn't this conception that it pays well.

Screen name · Jan 13, 2014

Dollar signs are great and all, but its hard for people who aren't even in nursing school to grasp the challenges of anesthesia. Not just the acceptance into a program and the long hours afterwards, but also the political challenges. When going into anesthesia, you need to not only pay attention to the added income, but also the responsibility and to uphold the field. It's a long fought battle between groups of providers. If people are just chasing paper, then when others before them who did the same lost bargaining power and independent practice those dollar signs could be a lot less by the time they actually get into school.

PVCCHoo · Jan 13, 2014

^^^I hear what you are saying Screen Name and I am paying attention to all of that as well. I was not even aware of what a nurse anesthetist was until I started looking in to becoming an RN and as a result starting looking at the job listings at my local hospital. I happened to see one for a CRNA and the accompanying salary and thought it was a typo. So yes, of course the money looks good.

The way I am looking at CRNA is the same way a college freshman might look at becoming a lawyer. It looks like something I want to shoot for now, but maybe after I get in to the field, I won't want to go back to school again or really just enjoy what I am doing. Or maybe the market will be flooded with unemployed new grads from CRNA schools and it won't look like there will be a good return on investment. I can't really say.

Do I consider becoming a CRNA a "dream" or would I say that I have a "passion for anesthesia?" No. I would not. I don't have enough experience (or any experience really) to go that far. I am looking at it as a way to further advance my career in nursing if I choose to after working as an RN in a critical care setting for a few years.

msn10 · Jan 13, 2014

If being a CRNA really is your passion, then go for it! However, for those who are interested because they're under the impression that CRNA is a cash cow, keep in mind that the profession is changing. There is little demand for CRNA's in many areas and reimbursements are falling too. By all means go for it if that's your dream, but if you're just in it for the money you may want to explore other career paths that will end up being more lucrative.

Very true. In our hospital system, only 3 CRNA's have been hired in the last 5 years and 2 of the 3 had experience. Additionally, there is a new idea in the healthcare in which anesthesiologist will now monitor multiple patients (and AA's) through a "command" center much like a virtual ICU. Venture capitalists are working on it and it may change how anesthesia is delivered in 10 years or so. That is not to dissuade someone from going into the field that they love. It is merely saying go in with your eyes wide open. While in school, do things to set you apart from others so that even in bad markets you are marketable.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 13, 2014

^^^I hear what you are saying Screen Name and I am paying attention to all of that as well. I was not even aware of what a nurse anesthetist was until I started looking in to becoming an RN and as a result starting looking at the job listings at my local hospital. I happened to see one for a CRNA and the accompanying salary and thought it was a typo. So yes, of course the money looks good.
The way I am looking at CRNA is the same way a college freshman might look at becoming a lawyer. It looks like something I want to shoot for now, but maybe after I get in to the field, I won't want to go back to school again or really just enjoy what I am doing. Or maybe the market will be flooded with unemployed new grads from CRNA schools and it won't look like there will be a good return on investment. I can't really say.
Do I consider becoming a CRNA a "dream" or would I say that I have a "passion for anesthesia?" No. I would not. I don't have enough experience (or any experience really) to go that far. I am looking at it as a way to further advance my career in nursing if I choose to after working as an RN in a critical care setting for a few years.

It sounds like you're going into this with a realistic attitude. The field of nursing is very broad and I don't think anyone should commit to one particular career path prematurely before really knowing what's out there and what they're good at.

I didn't go into nursing school with the clear expectation that I would become a PNP -- it just turned out that way that I'm very good at working with children (and families), and the other avenues that I was interested in didn't pan out for one reason or another.

jaredb63 · Jan 14, 2014

Hey RolexCRNA,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. It really helps to know that if you are passionate and determined you can do anything.